There are 10 simple steps to get you started, just follow step-by-step, you will be on your way...
Step 1: Which package do you want?
Decide which package you want: Copper, Silver, or Gold.
Step 2: Order Form
Please download the DVD package order form here. Review the order form and follow these instructions below before actually completing the form. These following steps will guide you through the process of gathering your information and materials. Please contact us if you need help.
Step 3: Gather & Organize Your Materials
This is probably the most difficult task of all. Collect and organize the photos, slides, video and other materials you want in the slideshow.
We'll do our best to include just about anything you want, regardless of the condition of the material, but please keep in mind that the better the quality of the photos and other materials you supply to us, the better the quality of the DVD will be. Remember that Creative Motion DVDs performs only minor photo enhancement. If a photo is too badly damaged and we're not able to use it, we’ll let you know beforehand.
If you have loose photos, put them in the order you want them presented in the DVD and number them in case they somehow get out of sequence. Either marks the back of the photos very lightly using a pencil, or put a Post-It note on the back. DO NOT use a magic marker! And don't put a Post-It note on the front. Keep the photos together with a rubber band.
If your photos are digital, put them in the order you want by changing the file name of the photos to a number sequence. For example, files can be changed to the following: 001.jpg, 002.jpg, and 003.jpg. Then burn them to a DVD or CD and send it to us. Additional charges may apply due to poorly organized photos because of the extra work and time required to get everything in order.
If you have printed materials like newspaper articles, certificates, invitations, vows, etc., indicate where they go in the slideshow by writing on a Post-It note which photos they go between (for example..."it goes between photo 012 and 013").
Once you have all the materials, please do a final count of all the items. If you have videos, the total time of all video needs to be determined.
Step 4: Music
Music is a key factor in creating the right mood for your DVD.
Copyright laws regarding music are tough and are enforced. Creative Motion DVDs only obtains music legally and requires that customers do the same. Our DVDs are created for private use only. We send them to you with the understanding that they are not intended for public presentation, you will not charge a fee for people to view them and they will not be duplicated or used for any other purpose other than for the customers' private use.
If you provide us with the music, we can accept and use only legally-purchased CDs. No home-burned music CDs or files will be accepted. When we provide the music, we purchase the music only from legal, legitimate internet sites. Currently, iTunes is the only on-line music provider we use. We also use royalty-free music when available and appropriate.
Step 5: Final Quote and Agreement
Once we receive your order form, we’ll put together the final price quote and give you a call to review it. When you approve the cost, we will send you an invoice. A 50% deposit is required before your project is started.
Please download the signed Agreement Form here. Please note that a signed Customer Agreement must be returned to us prior to work beginning on your video. You can mail or e-mail the form back to us.
Step 6: Send us your stuff!
We know the materials you send us are very personal and important to you. That's why we encourage you to properly package and protect your photos, slides, negatives, videos, music/photo CDs and printed materials. Send me an email and I will direct you where to send your materials.
When sending us your materials, we strongly suggest using a service that provides a way to track packages and confirm delivery. Using regular mail service without tracking capability is NOT recommended. For normal orders, the Post Office has several low-cost services that provide tracking capabilities and delivery confirmations, like Priority Mail. If you have requested rush service, you should use an overnight service like FedEx, DHL or USPS Express Mail.
Step 7: Confirm material receipt
You will receive confirmation from us by either e-mail or telephone as soon as we receive your materials.
Step 8: Production Time
From the date we receive your materials, it typically takes 10-12 business days to complete your order. That does not include shipping time. The completion time is dependent on the schedule of other orders in the queue, which package you want and the complexity of the order. Larger, more complex orders may take longer. If you need rush service, please let us know IN ADVANCE of placing the order. Additional charges apply for expedited orders.
Step 9: DVD Preview
We STRONGLY recommend using the preview service so you know exactly what you're getting before the final DVD be produced. We will e-mail, call and/or text you as soon as your preview in ready to view. Changes can be made based on the preview.
Step 10: Final Payment, Production & Shipping
Once you approve the preview, we will complete production and produce the final DVD. Any balances must be paid prior to shipping any materials and the DVD to customers. Balances can be paid upon delivery if it is in Austin. Everything will be returned to you or shipped back to you via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail or Overnight Express Mail, insured, certified and return-receipt requested.